Iceland Highlands Hiking for Scenic Summer Trails

Most travelers never see Iceland’s interior.

For much of the year, the Highlands are cut off by snow, glacial rivers, and rough mountain roads. But during the short summer season, the center of Iceland opens into one of the country’s most remote and rewarding hiking regions.

Trails cross colorful mountains, black sand deserts, geothermal valleys, and vast stretches of volcanic wilderness with surprisingly few crowds. Whether you want a multi-day trek like Laugavegur or a shorter scenic day hike, the Highlands offer a completely different side of Iceland, far beyond the typical Ring Road stops.

This guide covers the best Highland hiking trails, when to visit, what to pack, and how to plan your trip.

The Icelandic Highlands cover nearly 40% of the country’s total land area and stretch across much of central Iceland. Unlike the coastal regions, the interior has very little infrastructure, with no towns and only a small network of seasonal mountain huts and unpaved F-roads.

The landscape was shaped by thousands of years of volcanic and geothermal activity. Elevation ranges from around 400 m (1,312 ft) to over 1,500 m (4,921 ft), with terrain changing quickly between lava fields, rhyolite mountains, glacial valleys, and geothermal areas.

One of the biggest differences hikers notice is the sense of scale and isolation. Some trails pass through areas where you can hike for hours without seeing more than a few other people, especially outside the most popular routes near Landmannalaugar.

The hiking window in the Icelandic Highlands runs from late June to mid-September for the Best Day Hikes in Iceland. The interior F-roads open as early as mid-June, but the Icelandic Road and Coastal Administration often keeps them closed until early July if snowmelt is late. By mid-to-late September, early snow makes the F-roads impassable again, and most highland huts close.

July and August are the most dependable months for multi-day hikes, with temperatures averaging 50°F to 59°F (10°C to 15°C). Rain and wind can move in within the hour, and snow can fall on highland hiking trails even in August. Checking the weather each morning before you set out is essential.

The Icelandic Highlands offer a range of hiking trails, from short day hikes to serious multi-day routes. Here are the top trails to know before you plan your trip to Iceland.

The Laugavegur Trail is Iceland’s most popular multi-day hiking route. It covers 55 km (34 mi) from Landmannalaugar in the south to Þórsmörk in the north, and typically takes four to five days. The trail passes through geothermal areas, across lava fields, and alongside glacial rivers.

For a fully guided experience, the Laugavegur and Fimmvörðuháls Hiking Tour extends the journey over eight days, adding the Fimmvörðuháls Pass and including meals, luggage transfers, and mountain hut accommodation. Reservations fill up quickly, so booking several months ahead is strongly recommended for summer dates.

Fimmvörðuháls Pass connects Þórsmörk to Skógar in the south. It’s a natural extension of the Laugavegur Trail and completes a full route from the highlands to the south coast. The route covers 25 km (15.5 mi) and typically takes 1 to 2 days to complete, starting in Þórsmörk and ending in Skógar.

Along the way, you’ll see the Eyjafjallajökull volcano, newly formed lava fields from the 2010 eruption, and a series of waterfalls on the descent toward Skógar. The pass is often covered in slushy snow even in July, and fog can develop quickly, so strong navigation skills are essential before attempting this route.

Landmannalaugar sits at the southern edge of the Icelandic Highlands, about 200 km (124 mi) from Reykjavík. The area is well known for its rhyolite mountains, natural hot springs, and terrain that ranges from rust-red hillsides to jet-black lava fields. Hikers can soak in the geothermal pool at the main camping area.

Several day hikes begin directly from the camp. The Brennisteinsalda loop covers about 7 km (4.3 mi) and passes fumaroles and mineral-rich formations. Bláhnúkur is a steeper climb to 943 m (3,094 ft) with wide views across the surrounding lava fields.

Þórsmörk sits at the southern end of the Laugavegur Trail, surrounded by three glaciers. The terrain here is greener and more sheltered than the open highland plateau further north. Trails in the area include routes to Valahnúkur and Réttarfell, both with wide views over the glacial valley below.

Day trips to Þórsmörk run regularly from Reykjavík throughout the summer, usually by mountain bus. The bus crosses several rivers along the way, highlighting the remote nature of the reserve. Staying overnight lets you access more of the local hiking trails without the pressure of returning to the city the same day.

Kerlingarfjöll is a mountain range in the central Icelandic Highlands, about 170 km (106 mi) northeast of Reykjavík. The area holds one of Iceland's most active geothermal areas, with steaming vents, boiling mud pools, and slopes stained in yellows, oranges, and reds. Trails range from short 2 km (1.2 mi) walks to full-day routes deep into the mountains.

The Mountain Resort at Kerlingarfjöll offers accommodation and serves as a base for exploring the area over one or two days. It is accessible via the F35 Kjalvegur route, one of the easier highland F-roads to drive for travelers with a 4WD rental.

Here are the main ways to explore the Icelandic Highlands, depending on your schedule and experience level. Each option differs in how much planning you handle yourself.

A guided multi-day tour from Reykjavík is the most straightforward way into the Icelandic highlands for first-timers. Your guide handles transport, hut bookings, and safety decisions on the trail, so you focus entirely on the experience. This is especially useful for travelers unfamiliar with remote areas or the unpredictable road conditions of the interior.

Self-guided tours suit independent hikers who still want structure in place before they set out. Huts along routes like the Laugavegur Trail are pre-booked, route notes are provided, and some operators include luggage transfers between stops. You move at your own pace, but the key logistics are already handled. 

Day tours are the most accessible entry point into the Icelandic Highlands for travelers on shorter itineraries. Most include transport from Reykjavík, a guided day hike at key locations in Iceland, and stops at geothermal areas and hot springs. Þórsmörk and Landmannalaugar are the two most common destinations on these routes.

Good gear makes a real difference on Iceland Highlands hiking trips, where weather and terrain can both work against you. Here’s what to pack for your multi-day hiking adventure in Iceland to help you stay safe and prepared:

The Icelandic Highlands require more preparation than most destinations in Iceland. These tips cover the practical side of planning a safe and responsible trip into the interior. 

Planning a trip to the Highlands requires preparation, especially when it comes to timing, transport, and accommodation in Iceland. Start by choosing the right route, whether that’s a multi-day trek like the Laugavegur Trail or shorter hikes around Landmannalaugar.

If you prefer a structured experience, you can explore guided hiking tours in Iceland, where transport, accommodation, and logistics are handled for you. These tours are led by local experts and include everything you need for a multi-day trek in the highlands.

For more flexibility, browse Iceland vacation packages that combine hiking with other highlights across the country, from glaciers to geothermal areas. If you want a more personalized experience, private guided tours let you explore the highlands with a dedicated guide and a custom itinerary tailored to your pace and interests.

With the right preparation, Iceland Highlands hiking becomes far more accessible and enjoyable. It also allows you to focus on the experience rather than the logistics.